Whether it was cost, lack of understanding, or fear of accurate applications with very low rates, usage has largely been relegated to the golf and sports turf environment. Let's briefly discuss how growth regulators can be an important tool for turfgrass management now and in the future.
Proper PGR usage can help level the playing field for lawn maintenance companies with regard to elevated fuel and labor costs, not to mention the lack of willing workers. The biggest "aha" moment comes with the reduction of mowing requirements.
Generally, the reduction should land in the range of 40-60% particularly when used on larger properties. While the savings there should be significant in terms of fuel and labor, add in clipping management and reduced emissions and the benefits start to add up.
One of the more commonly used growth regulators is Trinexapac-ethyl or better known as T-NEX. This product is a type II PGR which reduces top growth by inhibiting gibberellic acid (GA) synthesis resulting in reduced cell elongation. That’s a lot but the take home message is, this chemical will reduce top growth, redirecting energy to root development and lateral growth.
The result is a tighter turf canopy with less leaf material removal and better overall quality. This function is what reduces mowing and clipping management.
T-NEX is safe for most grasses and can be used to treat an entire property or as a banding product for reduced trimming around fences, buildings, and other areas. Edgeless was designed with reduction of trimming in mind. It is a combination of T-NEX and Flurprimidol, better known as Cutless.
The upside of PGR usage doesn’t end there: the plant healthcare benefits should also be considered. As mentioned, they help promote more lateral growth which will shade the soil surface helping to crowd out weeds and reduce sun penetration leading to water loss and pre-emergent barrier breakdown. Additionally, by regulating leaf growth, they can reduce water loss from the plant improving drought tolerance. All of this while improving rootmass development and color.
Considering all of the above benefits, it makes sense to promote PGR usage to those who would benefit from reduced mowing and trimming. As always, read the label for rates, sites, and turf safety. Feel free to reach out with questions.
